On each visit we take the time to discuss your pet's health needs based on their life stage, medical history, and lifestyle. Listening to you describe changes in behavior, attitude, and eating habits helps us create a personalized healthcare recommendation for vaccinations, diets, and diagnostic tests for your pet.
The key to helping your pet live a long and healthy life is early detection of medical problems. Since pets can't talk, sometimes health problems aren't noticed until it's too late.
Sometimes your pet requires medical and surgical care in addition to preventive health services. When those times arise, you can be assured that we will thoroughly communicate with you the treatment options available.
When appropriate, we refer our patients to the many board certified specialists in the Washington Metro area for advanced care. We consider ourselves lucky to have a wealth of specialists available when your pet needs them.
How many portly pets do you know? Did you know that obesity is the number one disease of adult dogs and cats? Its true, but you can help your pet combat obesity by following our healthcare guidelines.
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Pediatric care -Puppies and kittens are young and so full of life, yet just like humans they have special needs to help them fight off deadly diseases such as Distemper or Rabies, to name just two. During your youngster's visit we'll identify which vaccinations are appropriate, help you choose the best diet, create a personalized parasite control program, and consult on any behavior problems. We'll even help you learn how to brush your pet's teeth!
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Adult care - When we examine your adult dog or cat we're always on the lookout for signs of underlying health conditions. A little dry skin, a portly pet, and changes in attitude or behavior are important clues that we need a little further investigation. We encourage you to tell us about what's normal and not normal about your pets since you are the one that knows them the best. Vaccinations, diagnostic tests, nutrition and medications are always discussed with you so you can be sure you understand their role in your pet's healthcare.
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Senior pet care - Is your pet over 40? Pets over 7 are middle aged and even entering their senior years depending on the breed, and we want to help them stay young and spry. As your pet ages, we take special care to note changes in behavior, attitude, and general health. Unfortunately our pets are really good at hiding serious health problems, so when we're not sure, we rely on our diagnostic tools such as radiographs and blood tests to help us look inside.
Did you know that older pets get arthritis just like people? We spend extra time assessing your pet's orthopedic health and discussing the various options for controlling pain associated with arthritis.
In seniors, thyroid disease is one of the most common problems. Cats are prone to hyperthyroidism and symptoms include weight loss, skin conditions, cardiac problems and more. Dogs can have hypothyroidism which is the opposite of hyperthyroidism found in cats. Their symptoms include weight gain, skin conditions and lethargy.A simple blood test helps us determine if your senior has a thyroid condition. The good news is that most thyroid conditions are easily treated.
Does your senior have smelly breath and brown teeth? Periodontal disease is a common disease among seniors and can cause serious health conditions such as kidney and heart disease if left untreated. We'll work with you to help you understand what dental care your pet needs and if a professional cleaning should be performed.
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Blood tests
Routine diagnostic tests - Dogs and cats have different needs for routine blood work since the diseases they are susceptible to differ. We perform heartworm tests, Feline Leukemia/FIV tests and more based on the individual needs of your pet.
The most common blood tests we perform when we suspect your pet may be ill are Complete Blood Counts (CBC) and Chemical Profiles. The CBC helps us determine if your pet has the right proportion of red blood cells and white blood cells. Among other things, it helps us determine if your pet is fighting an underlying infection.
The Chemical Profile is an important blood test because it shows us the chemical values of the internal organs such as the liver and kidneys and allows us to compare their value to the normal range for that species. Many diseases can be detected in blood work before your pet is showing clinical signs.
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Radiographs
Radiographs (X-rays) are an important diagnostic tool that we use when we suspect your pet may be ill. We use radiographs when we suspect your pet may have a broken bone, but we also use them to determine the size and shape of your pet's heart, check for fluid in the lungs, check for blockages, and more. Most radiographs can be performed with your pet wide awake.
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Boarding
We offer medically supervised boarding for special needs pets belonging to established clients.
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Retail Center
We carry Hill's Prescription Diets, IVD Hypoallergenic Diet and IVD Select Care Modified. We also carry Interceptor, Sentinel, Frontline Plus, C.E.T. Dental Care products, Oxyfresh.
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